ANS6201, an Analog Front End that makes Power Line Communication for smart grids more reliable

This integration, together with the single power supply of 3.3V, reduces the Bill of Materials for a complete power line communication system.

PLC is a cornerstone technology for the emerging market of smart grids and smart energy homes. The increasing amount of data to be transmitted between the energy consumers and producers to optimally manage the energy system requires a high speed, low cost, reliable and secure communication network. According to PikeResearch, the market share of smart electricity meters will grow to 55% of an installed base of 1.5 billion electricity meters.

Stefan Gogaert, Chief Strategic Officer of AnSem adds: The main advantage of this analog frond end is its flexibility. With a software defined approach, the settings of the AFE can be changed for optimal functioning in different frequency bands (10-500 kHz), under different protocols (ITU G.9955, G3, Prime, …), under variable power line conditions. The ANS6201 can therefore be used in a wide range of today's applications, but is also future proof for changes in the protocols.

With a 2 Msps 12 bit ADC and a low noise PGA integrated on silicon, the signal sensitivity of this chip is outstanding. Signals down to 11 µVrms can be received under the disturbing conditions of the power line in the CENELEC A-band. With the OFDM modulation, this high sensitivity increases the reliability of the communication, resulting in higher data speed and or longer communication distances.

The transmit path is composed of a 2Msps 12 bit DAC, a 5th order filter and a PPA able to generate OFDM signals with an amplitude of up to 6Vptp compliant with the EN-50065 and FCC-regulation.

The Analog Front End is controlled by a digital modem through a conventional SPI-interface. This interface can also be used to transmit and receive data between the AFE and the modem. This makes integration with the modem easy and cost efficient. For higher performances, a dedicated data interface is foreseen that can reach higher data-transmission speeds.

The ANS6201 is designed for low power consumption, which is essential for smart energy applications. In receive mode, only 20 mW is required. The flexibility of the chip also allows power management strategies to maintain low power consumption through the different operational conditions.

Within its SmartHomeLink program, AnSem designs and develops low cost, low power chip technology for the smart home market.